Richard MontgomeryNASHVILLE - Gov. Bill Haslam today named former state lawmaker Richard Montgomery as the new chairman of the state's Board of Parole.
Montgomery, former House Education Committee chairman, replaces Charles Traughber, a Chattanooga native, who retired last week after nearly four decades on the board.
"I am grateful for Chairman Traughber's many years of service and dedication to our state," Haslam said in a news release. "His experience and counsel was extremely helpful as we restructured the board to transition probation services to the Department of Correction to provide a more seamless and accountable process."
He predicted Montomery, a fellow Republican, will "do an outstanding job" in his new leadership role. "His passion for the citizens and welfare of this state are well known, and he has the right balance of compassion and common sense to lead this important organization."
In January, Haslam named Montgomery, 66, to the Board of Parole following the lawmaker's defeat in his 2012 GOP primary contest. He'd served 14 years in the House, representing Sevier County.